Mass Hysteria Research Paper

Mass hysteria is a phenomenon that transmits collective allusions, whether real or imaginary, through a population in society as a result of rumor or fears. The Tanganyika Laughter Epidemic of 1962 was a hoax created by citizens of Tanganyika due to stress related problems.
In 1962, three girls were in school until they all began to laugh uncontrollably with no explanation. The three girls were located near a village called Kashasha in Tanganyika, which is now known as Tanzania. While people near the village are desperate for answers, more and more are “contaminated” with laughter each day. Eventually, the uncontrollable laughter spread throughout the country. This epidemic was concluded as mass hysteria rather than an angry mob because an angry mob takes on a larger portion that deals with protesting and fighting against a certain situation, law, opinion, etc. Mass hysteria, in this case, represents the desperate and depriving symptoms that these groups of individuals would experience.
This proceeded from 6 months up to one full year, having random attacks of laughter. Symptoms played a major role within this epidemic, such as respiratory problems, anxiety, nausea, fainting, and even rashes. According to Chicago Tribune, no one can laugh without experiencing respiratory problems, in which an individual can laugh up
Not only that, but many children were being influenced with foreign traditions and new lifestyles, such as Western style education and Christian morality. The young people involved reported that they were feeling pressured and stressed by the higher expectations of their teachers and parents, therefore they needed an idea that would help them get through their difficult times. (Chicago Tribune “Examining 1962’s Laughing